Air Canada has reported a system load factor of 85.3 per cent for August, the highest on record for any month ever. The mainline carrier flew 5.5 per cent more revenue passenger miles (RPMs) in August 2005 than in August 2004, according to preliminary traffic figures. Overall, capacity increased by 2.9 per cent, resulting in a load factor of 85.3 per cent, compared to 83.2 per cent last August, an increase of 2.1 percentage points. In the domestic market, capacity decreased by 0.5 per cent and traffic increased by 4.1 per cent resulting in a domestic load factor of 85.7 per cent -- a 3.8 percentage point increase year over year. Air Canada Jazz flew 55.3 per cent more revenue passenger miles in August 2005 than in August 2004. Capacity increased by 44 per cent, resulting in a load factor of 72 per cent, compared to 66.8 per cent last August, an increase of 5.2 percentage points. North American traffic, on a combined basis for Air Canada Jazz, rose seven per cent. “Following on July's record performance, in August Air Canada again achieved the highest load factor of any month in its history and maintained a 17-month trend of record-breaking load factors,” said Air Canada president Montie Brewer. “This ongoing strong performance reflects both a healthy market and ever growing customer preference for Air Canada .”